The sinking of the
Vizcaya was truly a maritime tragedy. The coal schooner Cornelius Hargraves was apparently under full sail at night with no running lights when it struck the Vizcaya, almost cutting the steamer in half. The Hargrave's bowsprit then raked across the
Vizcaya's deck, demolishing the lifeboats and everything else in its path. The Vizcaya sank in minutes, and soon afterwards the Hargraves settled to the bottom nearby.
Survivors of the Cornelius Hargraves picked up several from the Vizcaya in their lifeboat, while a few survived by clinging to the protruding mast tops or were picked up by passing ships. None of the women and children aboard the Vizcaya survived.
Today, the Vizcaya is a large low debris field, the highest points being the boilers and engine. It occasionally produces artifacts, and is known as a good lobster wreck. I am told that the deck beams in the drawing below are greatly exaggerated, and that the boilers are much bigger than shown.
A typical wooden sailing ship wreck, with three parallel walls, machinery pile at one end, and odds & ends in-between.
The steam-powered anchor winch
A bit lies in the middle of the wreck
A pair of wheels
I make no claim as to the accuracy, validity, or appropriateness of any information found in this website. I will not be responsible for the consequences of any action that is based upon information found here. Scuba diving is an adventure sport, and as always, you alone are responsible for your own safety and well being.
Copyright © 1996-2008 Rich Galiano
unless otherwise noted
